...I wonder where the boidie is. | EcoParent 29Spring 201828 EcoParent | The spring is sprung, the grass is riz... Spring 2018

Health & Beauty

P uberty is a transformational time of mental, emotional, and physical changes, and something that we all experience.

However, more young girls are showing signs of puberty at earlier ages than ever before. Why is this happening, and what can we do about it? What are the potential causes of early puberty, and how can you, as a parent, help prevent these changes from happening too early for your child? And if they do happen, how do you navigate those waters? Let's find out!

What is Puberty?Puberty is the body’s process of physical and sexual maturation. Changes in body composition, overall growth, and psychosocial maturity occur as well. Normally, puberty occurs between the ages of 8 and 14 in girls. As adolescents mature, they go through different stages, and doctors have objective ways of assessing which stage of puberty they may be in.

There are five stages of puberty, with the first stage being marked by the development of breast buds. In girls, this process can start as early as eight years old, and will slowly develop over years, with the average age of menarche (first menstrual cycle) at 13 years old.

Signs of puberty in girls will include1:

» Breast development» Pubic and/or underarm hair growth» Rapid height increase» Acne» Start of menstruation» Body odor

Earlier and Earlier Onset of MenarcheStudies have shown that girls in developed nations have been demonstrating signs of puberty and menarche at earlier ages over the past few decades. In 1950, the average onset of puberty in girls was around 13 years of age, and in 2010 it was 10.5 years of age.4 If we look at the trends of menarche (a girl's first period) from the years 1840-2000, we see the average go from 16 years old to 12 years old. That number is continuing to trend even lower today.3

So, what is causing these pubertal trends in young girls? Although the exact reason for this earlier onset of puberty is not fully understood, we do know that it is likely a result of a combination of modifiable (like lifestyle and toxic exposure) and non-modifiable (like genetic and ethnic) factors. For instance, girls of Latin American and Afro-Caribbean descent tend to have breast development, pubic hair growth, and begin menstruation at an earlier age than Caucasian girls.2 In terms of the modifiable factors, the neurological and hormonal systems that regulate pubertal timing are complex; we know that a variety of environmental factors may be contributing to this concerning trend.

Toxic ExposureEndocrine Disrupting Chemicals, or EDCs, mimic naturally occurring hormones in the body such as estrogen. Estrogen is a key hormone involved in the progression of puberty in young girls. Nearly 800 chemicals are suspected endocrine disruptors, including BPA and phthalates, and a number of them have been identified as possible agents leading to the early onset of puberty in young girls.5 Heavy metals, such as mercury, can also interfere with hormone function.

We are all exposed to these toxins, despite our best efforts to reduce contact. In addition to avoiding them, ways to reduce toxin levels in the body include:

» Drinking plenty of water.» Increasing physical activity - sweat it out!» Including a variety of sources of fibre in the diet, such as leafy

greens (kale, spinach, swiss chard), legumes (lentils or beans), and seeds (ground flax or chia seeds).

» Supporting liver detoxification by incorporating sources of vitamin C (kiwis or citrus fruits), cilantro or parsley, and lemon juice into the diet.

Diet & LifestyleWith the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity over the past few decades, research has shown that this trend also contributes to the earlier onset of puberty in young girls. It has been shown that girls with a higher body fat content (which correlates to a higher body mass index, or BMI, for age) begin to develop breasts between the ages of 8.0 and 9.6, compared to a later age in girls with normal BMIs.7

Certain foods have also been implicated in early puberty in girls. Milk (even organic milk) contains a hormone called insulin-like growth

factor 1 (IGF-1). This hormone has been specifically connected to earlier onset of puberty. However, associations between dairy consumption and early puberty are still unclear8; it is possible that the protein in milk may contribute to increasing the body’s own production of IGF-1 which triggers growth of cells. Many other studies have shown a relationship between animal protein consumption9 (including red meat10,11 and dairy) and earlier puberty. One possible explanation is that animal products are more likely to contain the endocrine-disrupting chemicals discussed above due to large scale conventional farming practices that are more common today than, say, 20 years ago.

A mineral-rich, plant-slant diet12 is a good strategy for health in general, and may contribute to a healthier age for the onset of puberty. Interestingly, consumption of soy-based foods in childhood may protect girls from early menarche through a number of possible mechanisms related to hormonal regulation and detoxification.13,14 This refers to whole soy foods such as GMO-free tofu and edamame. Soy is currently one of the most prevalent GMO crops and infants who are fed soy-formula may actually be at an increased risk of early puberty.

by dr. leslie solomonian, nd & maryellen tedeschi

Targeting premature puberty concerns in young girls

Signs of puberty before the age of 8?

If your child is exhibiting signs of puberty before she's eight, a visit with your child’s MD or Naturopathic Doctor will help determine the cause of these changes. Your doctor will start with a thorough intake and physical examination, noting any pubertal milestones and onset of secondary sexual characteristics. A wrist x-ray may also be conducted to see if bones are maturing too rapidly. The next step would be to determine if there is an elevated level of sex hormones in the blood, followed by additional testing to see if the increase in hormones is due to any other underlying cause.2

“In 1950, the average onset of puberty in girls was around 13

years of age, and in 2010 it was 10.5

years of age."

© Can Stock Photo / AnnaNahabed

© Can Stock Photo / wyoosumran

earlybloomingChemical Action in body Where is it found? How to reduce exposure

BPA

Disrupts normal functioning of female and male sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone)

Plastics, receipt paper, can linings, teething toys.

» Read labels: opt for “BPA-free” products» Consider buying and storing foods in glass containers instead

of plastic » Use stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic » Avoid canned food (many cans are lined with BPA)

PhalatesLinked to hormone changes associated with earlier onset of puberty

Fragrance, soft plastics, teething toys

» Read labels: opt for products that are “phthalate-free” or that have no synthetic fragrance

» Before buying soaps, shampoos, or lotions, scan items with the “Think Dirty” app, or make use of the EWG’s “Skindeep Database” online.

MercuryInterferes with normal menstrual cycles and ovulation

Emissions from burning coal, contaminated seafood

» Instead of tuna, consider wild salmon for its lower mercury content

» Eat organic when possible

...I wonder where the boidie is. | EcoParent 31Spring 201830 EcoParent | The spring is sprung, the grass is riz... Spring 2018

Psychosocial Impacts of “Growing Up” Too EarlyAside from the obvious physical changes that occur during puberty as secondary sexual characteristics develop, let’s talk about the not-as-obvious psychosocial impacts that these changes may have on girls developing at a younger age. Girls are sensitive to societal responses to their development, and may experience feelings of being isolated or misunderstood by others if they mature earlier than their peers. Changing levels of hormones may also trigger erratic behaviour that may be perceived negatively by others, potentially resulting in conflict, social challenges, or trouble with friendships.15 For these reasons, it is important to maintain open and honest lines of communication. The development of secondary sexual characteristics may prompt unwanted attention for which a young girl may be unprepared, so keeping your child informed about the changes happening in her body, what she can expect to happen next, and the different emotions she may experience can help keep her from feeling misunderstood. Instilling confidence and body positivity is especially important, such as encouraging exposure to empowering role models of healthy femininity. Ultimately, how you respond to these changes will have an impact on how your child responds, so creating positive dialogue and a safe environment for communication is key.

Many causes of early puberty are something we can help to stop. The solution starts with a focus on solid foundations of health: clean diet, regular movement, and low toxic exposures. Be sure to visit your family health care provider if you have any concerns about early puberty to ensure the healthy growth and development of your child. •

For references, visit www.ecoparent.ca/extras/SPR18

1 ColibriMake carrying your pads in your backpack a whole lot hipper with Colibri’s wet/dry bags. Designed with a dry pouch to carry clean pads (and a lipgloss, obvi!), and a large waterproof pouch to toss in those used ones, Colibri helps keep your period your little secret! www.colibricanada.com

2 LunapadsAvailable in both regular and 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, Lunapads are up to the challenge of your monthly flow! With inserts that you can layer to your heart’s content and swap out to save a whole pad change, we’d call that #winning! All Lunapads are made with zero waste manufacturing processes in Vancouver, Canada, so no textile waste is sent to landfill. www.lunapads.com

3 LunetteLunette’s menstrual cup is the perfect conventional tampon replacement! These brightly-coloured cuties are good for up to 12 hours without a change, which could totally revolutionize a girl’s world! Just think: no changes necessary in public washrooms. Practically leakproof, a breeze to clean, and uber comfie, pick your favourite hue, and go! Plus, a menstrual cup can be used during any athletic activity, including swimming. They’re odorless, reusable, and made from BPA-free medical grade silicone. www.lunette.com

4 GladRagsThese cuties will almost make you glad you’ve got your period! Made in the USA, GladRags are colourful little gems, comprised of cotton flannel and terry, with certified GOTS organic and undyed options available. Make sure to check out GladRags' First Period Kits, complete with a little guide that talks all about the specialness of

having your period! www.gladrags.com

5 NatraCareNeed a disposable? Natracare’s hard working pads and tampons are for you! The pads, which are comprised of organic cotton and a vegetable-based cellulose, and the tampons, which are solely 100% organic cotton, are both completely biodegradable and compostable. Plus, Natracare is the world’s first MADE SAFE® feminine hygiene product! www.natracare.com

6 Ginger SupplementsEase some of the abdominal discomfort periods can bring with ginger! With its ability to reduce inflammation and lessen nausea, why not give ginger a try? Keep a bottle of New Chapter’s Ginger Force or Nature’s Way Ginger Root (both of which are non GMO!) at the ready, and uncomfortable tummies adieu! Talk to your MD/ND if you have a history of blood disorders, are taking blood thinners or other prescription medication to ensure safety. www.naturesway.com / www.newchapter.com

Hey girlHelp your child maintain a healthy body composition:

» Ensure at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.

» Eat a plant-based, whole foods diet.

» Limit processed foods that are high in refined sugars, such as soft drinks or packaged foods.

» Involve your children in meal prep and cooking: they’ll be more inclined to eat healthy food that they had fun preparing themselves!

» Keep screen time to a minimum, and avoid it altogether for at least 60 minutes before bed to ensure a good sleep.

» Encourage mindfulness practices such as deep breathing exercises, quiet time, or daily stretching.

So you got your period. Welcome to the wonderful world of choices! It can be tempting to opt for those brightly-coloured, overly fragranced, disposable pads and tampons in your local pharmacy because everything you see on TV makes it seem like they’re exactly what you need. But did you know there are some fab feminine products that are easy to use, super colourful and fun, AND easy on the environment? That’s right: these ain’t your mom’s boring pads! These babies are vibrant and super adorbs, won’t leach toxins into your body, and are eco-green (green is sooo hot right now!).

Welcome to the club!

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